"Across Europe, the AEJ brings together

individual journalists through their membership of national sections. As an independent and self-funding association we promote critical
journalism in the European integration process; and defend the freedom of information and freedom of the press in Europe.
The AEJ offers journalists the chance to be part of our professional and social network."

Focus on Media Freedom

The AEJ is an official Observer in the Council of Europe's Media Steering Committee.

The AEJ’s Media Freedom Representative, William Horsley, with other media and NGO organisations, has called on Member States to fulfil their 2009 pledge to ensure that national anti-terrorism laws are not misused to block legitimate freedom of expression.

The AEJ welcomes the focus on media freedom in the Decision by Ministers’ Deputies, but questions the failure to adopt more far-reaching measures to counter attacks on journalists’ lives and work.

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European Union leaders accept that media freedom and pluralism is essential for the Union’s international credibility and are out-sourcing several activities in this area. But they have allowed the self-interests of member states to dictate their lack of determined action.

Two years of work by European parliamentarians on the Protection of Media Freedom in Europe have culminated in a new resolution by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), adopted on 29 January.

A Working Group of journalists, publishers and media professionals hosted by Fondation EurActiv has presented a set of core proposals as the outline of a new ‘EU strategy for independent and sustainable media’.

Turkey’s existing penal codes and security laws, with their broad definition of terrorism and membership of an armed organisation, have led to prosecution and imprisonment of many journalists for fulfilling their professional duties. Anti-terrorism law, in particular, carries heavy penalties. If she is found guilty, Frederike Geerdink could face up to five years in prison.

On Friday 6th February the French Ambassador to Slovakia Didier Lopinot will hand Mr Juraj Alner the most prestigious order of the French Republic, the Officer of the Légion d'honneur. The order is granted by decree of the President of France.